remymawtin

Obviously, the Hornets problem this past season was a lack of a bench and supporting cast to Paul/West. But, how Bowen GM is not getting more heat for this argument perplexes me. This is his responsibility, more than anything. Look back at Hornets/Bowen's moves last 3/4 years.

2005: Paul, Bass. Great draft! But, Bowen/Hornets ran Bass out of town. How good would Hornets be with Bass still on roster, who can come off the bench and play the 4 and 5. Bass is up for FA this year, I believe, but I don't know if Hornets will be able to get him unless they're able to unload some cap space via trades. Looking back and knowing what Hornets were going to do, they could've taken M. Ellis in 2nd rd instead of Bass. SG would be set. Not to mention you would've drafted a fellow Mississippian in Ellis, a regional guy that could help expand your fan base, regionally. You even had one better in Bass being an LSU product.

2006; Armstrong and C. Simmons. 2006 was a weak draft for big men, Armstrong benefited. I have not been impressed w/his play since he's been with Hornets. Simmons traded for D. Wesley. I would call that a bad trade for Hornets. Simmons has as much potential as Armstrong, if not more.
Hornets trade JR Smith and PJ Brown for Chandler ~ money/cap trade. In retrospect, looks like a bad deal now. There are plenty of timid 7' centers in tne NBA that don't ever look for their own shot. No reason the Hornets should have one on their roster. Especially one that can't stay healthy, and looks to have a degenerative ankle problem. But, what did the Hornets do after making a money/cap trade??? They trade for Peja and help the Kings clear some of their cap space by putting Hornets in the shape they face now with Peja and luxury tax, and Peja basically being untradeable. Jaymo700 made some good comments on Peja. Hopefully, he'll restructure or retire.

2007: Hornets draft Julian Wright, passing on Thornton (who was named to 2007 NBA rookie first team). Thornton was a beast at FSU, and their only scoring option when he was there so he had to create his own shots time/again. There's something to be said about a player solely bringing success/accolades to their schools that are lesser known than the elites; UNC, Duke, Kansas, UCLA, etc. Thornton is now the Clippers 2nd scoring option behind Baron Davis. Thornton could've been a solid 3-man for Hornets. As much as people on here like JuJu, he hasn't been able to crack lineup. And, he was given several opportunities this past year to do just that by Scott, he did not step up.
Draft Haluska (C) in 2nd rd ~ now playing in Israel. Hornets passed on Marc Gasol in 2nd rd. who went to Memphis. I think Gasol would have had opportunity to flourish in N.O. with CP3 and West. He had a good showing for Spain in Olympics and similar style play to his brother in LA.
Nothing done in FA.

2008: Did not draft anyone. Signed Posey in FA.

There's alot of coulda, woulda, shoulda above. But, the point I'm trying to make is for every option/decision Bowen has made at the helm, there seemed to always be a better option available. It seems like decisions have been made solely based on money, and not basketball. It's like anything in sports, put a good product on the field, you'll fill the seats night in, night out.
And, there has to be some blame laid at Scott's doorstep as well. I can't honestly say that I've seen any development/improvement in Hornet's young guys while he's been coach. With someone like Avery Johnson being available, and the way the Hornets lost to Nuggets in the 1st rd (being beaten by average of 20 pts, it seems, in 4 losses).... the Hornets have to think about Avery as an option. Avery, being a N.O. product, could inject some excitement back into the Hornets, I think.

Greer will be starting cb, no question. Will now have competition b/w Jenkins and Porter for other spot. Porter needs to prove durability. I believe Jenkins was brought in to be a cb. Everyone around draft this year got caught up in talking about Jenkins' less than stellar 40-time, hence the safety projections. But, he doesn't need to run a 4.3-40 to play in NFC South. Division is mostly made up of tall, possession wideouts (Muhammad, Jarrett, Clayton, Jenkins). With Steve Smith, and, maybe, Roddy White, the exception. But, Saints now have Greer to match up with these two. You have to like the matchup Saints will have with a tall cb in Jenkins to match up with opposing division's tall wideouts. Porter, Gay, David, Young likely nickel/dime db's.

I think this Vaughn kid is gonna push Harper for SS. Seems to have the intangibles to play position that Harper hasn't shown. Could even overtake him. Team likely to start working on development/transition of Usama into FS role now that they have the depth/luxury to do this. This is why I think David won't be cut. Sharper/Prielou to fill FS spot.

I think Saints might be alright at rb. Biggest question was whether Saints could find a big, bruising back to replace Deuce for those short, tough yards. But, coaches are high on Hamilton and Bell, and I'm inclined to agree. Bell arrived to the team 2nd half of season last year. Now, he'll have entire offseason with team to learn playbook, become familiar with offense. Same can be said with Hamilton. I have a feeling we'll be hearing their names come up in camp and preseason.

The concern for Saints this year is to keep everyone healthy! I really wouldn't have minded seeing the Saints pick up a new strength/conditioning coach in the draft this weekend. How do you lose TWO players for the year with a bicep injury!?!?!?!! Ridonkulous!!!
Speaking of injuries, keep an eye on Anthony Waters. I remember this kid at Clemson. Was a beast his junior year before missing senior year due to injury. He seemed to have gotten lost in the shuffle at San Diego. Believe he's more suited for a 4-3 scheme. Waters, Vaughn, and Bell are my picks for pleasant surprises this upcoming year.
WHO DAT!!!!